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Advice and support

These are very difficult and uncertain times for everyone in the country, and beyond, but particularly for older people.  Here is the latest Government developments and advice on Coronavirus, and some other information which you may find helpful.

Government

• Coronavirus outbreak FAQs: what you can and can’t do: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs-what-you-can-and-cant-do/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs-what-you-can-and-cant-do

Bristol City Council

• If you would like to subscribe to Coronavirus information and advice from the Bristol City Council you can fill out this online form
• Bristol City Council: https://www.bristol.gov.uk/crime-emergencies/coronavirus-covid-19-what-you-need-to-know
• The We Are Bristol support phone number: 0800 694 0184 or 0117 352 3011 went live Tuesday 31 March and will offer support to residents across the city. Call handlers will be available initially during office hours (8.30am-5pm, Monday to Friday) to provide support for people with a wide range of needs, including obtaining food supplies, other essential items and medication. They can also help arrange follow-up support with different organisations. https://www.wearebristol.co.uk/
• If you are interested in volunteering in response to the Coronavirus, please see the Bristol City Council’s Can Do Bristol website. https://candobristol.co.uk/

Avon and Somerset Police

• Advice on staying at home and saving lives: Information sheet
• Avon and Somerset Police: https://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/coronavirus-covid-19-policing-response/?utm_source=short-url&utm_medium=url&utm_campaign=covid19

NHS

• NHS: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
• Public Health England: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/public-health-england

Age UK Bristol

A collaboration of local charities, including BOPF, have come together to form a new Support Hub to help older people and their families cope with the impact of the Coronavirus in Bristol. The Support Hub will provide a range of different services for older people including practical, social and emotional support, such as shopping and weekly social phone calls, as well as virtual activities that older people can do from the safety of their own home.

• Age UK Bristol Support Hub Helpline is open 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday: 0117 929 7537 
• For further information https://www.ageuk.org.uk/bristol/our-services/support-hub/

Staying active at home

LinkAge Network – Virtual activities to stay connected, active and busy:  https://www.linkagenetwork.org.uk/covid-19/

Ageing Better: How we can all keep active at home during the coronavirus crisis. https://www.ageing-better.org.uk/news/how-we-can-all-keep-active-home-during-coronavirus-crisis

You can find further information about staying active on our Keeping Active Information Hub page.

Other advice and support

•  Well Aware, Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Information, Advice & Guidance: https://www.wellaware.org.uk/coronavirus-covid-19-information-advice-guidance/
• Agespace: https://www.agespace.org/

There are also some very useful hints and tips on the Mind website for how to deal with periods when you may be largely housebound, such as staying connected with friends and family, eating well, and Keeping fit:

• Mind: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/coronavirus-and-your-wellbeing/#PlanForStayingAtHomeOrIndoors

Supporting Friends and Neighbours

At BOPF we are aware that a lot of our members do not have access to the internet or to emails. You may already be on the case, but if you know of any older people who may be very isolated and even frightened by what is happening, please do telephone them.

You may find the Bristol Ageing Better website useful for background information on isolation and loneliness:

• Bristol Ageing Better: http://bristolageingbetter.org.uk/

You may also find the Kindness Postcard useful for getting in touch:

• Viral Kindness Postcard

Finally, on a lighter note, you may enjoy the Sofa Singers:

• Sofa Singers: https://www.thesofasingers.net/

Scam awareness

For information about scams please visit our Scams awareness page.